Introduction
‘Ulysses’ is a dramatic monologue in which Ulysses, the king of Ithaca expresses his undying thirst of adventure overseas. Tennyson has written this poem in memory of Arthur Henry Hallam who died young. Death is not the end for both Arthur and Ulysses.
Thirst for adventure
Ulysses addresses mariners in the third part. Ulysses does not see any worth in staying in the comfort of family life with his wife. As a king, he listens to the complaints of people and gives rewards and punishments for the citizens of his country. He discloses his inner nature, “cannot rest from travel!” He has become a living icon of travel overseas. He wants “to drink life to the lees”. He confesses that he has both enjoyed and suffered a lot during his travels. He has gained profound wisdom during his travels and battles. Enriched by his new gained cultural knowledge, he longs to resume his voyages. He believes that to rest is rust. Every hour has the •potential to bring new knowledge. So, it is meaningless to stay.
Passing on the inheritance
In the second part addresses the reader explaining why Ulysses doesn’t want to continue to rule. Ulysses wishes to hand over his kingdom to his son Telemachus. He believes he would rule the kingdom and render appropriate justice to his subjects. Telemachus, unlike Ulysses, is rooted to the soil. He is kind to the subjects and addresses their needs. Besides, Ulysses hopes that Penelope, his aging wife would be happy to spend her last years with her son and grandchildren. So, Ulysses can resume his voyage along with his old friends.
Call to set sail
Ulysses called his old companions to the port where the ship awaits them all. His old companions have fought many battles alongside him and share the undying quest for adventure. Ulysses persuades his friends to join him on his voyage to the edge of the world and beyond to find a new world. He knows the limitations of his companions. They may have grown old and weak due to age. Their physical powers may not be the same as when they had once moved heaven and earth. But he is confident that their spirit is young and undaunted. His clarion call would inspire invariably all those who seek knowledge and strive to lead meaningful lives.
Conclusion
People who are endowed with an unquenchable thirst for ever-expanding knowledge and incurable love for long distances Ulysses continues to be a source of inspiration.
